Syrian President Engages with U.S. Congress Members in Landmark Meeting
Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with U.S. Congressman Cory Mills, marking a significant visit by U.S. legislators since the fall of Bashar Assad. The discussions highlighted Syria’s interest in having sanctions lifted. Congressman Stutzman noted optimism among Syrians and stressed the importance of U.S. support in this transitional period. The U.S. has eased some restrictions to allow humanitarian assistance, while Syrian officials seek further action on the sanctions front.
On Saturday, the President of Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, held a meeting with Congressman Cory Mills from Florida, marking the first instance of American legislators visiting Syria since the removal of former President Bashar Assad in December. State news agency SANA reported that Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani was also present at the meeting, which follows recent calls from Syria’s leadership for the removal of sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other Western countries during the initial conflict stages.
Congressmen Mills and Marlin Stutzman of Indiana arrived in Syria for an unofficial visit and explored various sites in Damascus, including the historic old quarter and a significantly damaged synagogue that had been affected during the nation’s prolonged conflict. Stutzman later visited Saydnaya Prison, notorious for human rights abuses under the Assad family’s regime, where many detainees faced execution and torture.
The group was led to Damascus by al-Sharaa’s Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which executed a successful offensive against the Assad regime in December, resulting in Assad seeking refuge in Russia. Following Assad’s ousting, the Biden administration opted not to pursue a reward for al-Sharaa, reflecting shifts in U.S. diplomatic approaches towards the new Syrian government.
While the Trump administration has yet to formally recognize the new government in Syria, it has not lifted the sanctions imposed during the Assad regime. Stutzman remarked on the optimism among Syrians for a new beginning, asserting that easing sanctions could significantly benefit the country’s economy. He emphasized the importance of conveying these developments back to his colleagues and advocated for the U.S. to support the changes occurring in Syria to prevent a return to dictatorship.
Following Assad’s fall, the United States did ease certain restrictions to facilitate humanitarian aid access, including a temporary license for specific trade transactions. Syrian officials continue to request the lifting of sanctions, but the U.S. government requires progress regarding the rights of religious and ethnic minorities within the country before making any decisions to lift such measures.
Stutzman concluded by expressing a belief that lifting sanctions could greatly benefit the Syrian people, acknowledging the sentiments of those he engaged with during his visit regarding this issue.
In summary, Congressman Cory Mills and Marlin Stutzman’s visit to Syria represents a notable development in U.S.-Syria relations post-Assad. Their discussions with Syrian leadership and observations of the current situation in the country shed light on the need for further engagement from the United States, particularly regarding economic sanctions. As both Congress members express optimism about the prospects for Syria’s future, they recognize the importance of alleviating sanctions to foster meaningful economic recovery while emphasizing that any decision will ultimately rest with President Trump and his administration.
Original Source: www.seattletimes.com
